Low friction garment

ABSTRACT

Garments are disclosed for use on the lower body, e.g., as an undergarment or athletic shorts or tights. The garments include a plurality of panels made of different materials that together help to protect the wearer and that are designed to enhance the wearer&#39;s comfort and performance. In some cases the panels are selected and configured to match the requirements of various body regions and contours.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/655,290, filed on Jun. 4, 2012. The complete disclosure of thisapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Skin-to-skin contact, specifically inner thigh contact, can beuncomfortable and in certain instances, for example during endurancesports events, can cause abrasions, blisters or bleeding. In addition,excessive lower-body sweat, particularly when retained close to the skinby the fabric of an undergarment, can add to discomfort, increasefatigue and lead to possible injury, for example painful chafing.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a garment for use on thelower body, e.g., an undergarment or athletic shorts or tights. Thegarment includes a plurality of panels made of different materials thattogether help to protect the wearer and that are designed to enhance thewearer's comfort and performance. In some cases, the panels are selectedand configured to match the requirements of various body regions andcontours. The multi-paneled design increases comfort by allowing thegarment to better accommodate movement of the leg muscles and hip joint,and by reducing friction and sweat build-up during activity.

In one aspect, the invention features a garment comprising a garmentbody, configured to be worn on the lower body and having legs configuredto cover at least a portion of a wearer's thigh, the garment bodycomprising a plurality of panels. The panels include a pair ofprotective panels, disposed in an inner thigh region of the garmentbody, the protective panels comprising a fabric having a coefficient offriction that is lower than that of the rest of the garment body. Insome cases, the protective panels are constructed of a material that ismore durable than that of the rest of the garment body, to minimize oreliminate premature material break down.

Some implementations of this aspect of the invention include one or moreof the following features.

The panels may further include a central panel, covering the wearer'sstomach, pelvis and seat, referred to herein as the “pelvic panel.” Thispanel may be formed of a fabric having a Moisture Vapor TransmissionRate that is greater than that of the rest of the garment body. Inpreferred implementations the pelvic panel constitutes a single panelextending from the waistband at the front of the garment to thewaistband at the rear of the garment, and may be configured to cradlethe wearer's genitalia. The panels may also further include a pair ofthigh panels, joined to a portion of the pelvic panel, which, togetherwith the protective panels, define at least a portion of the legs of thegarment body. The thigh panels may have a fabric weight that is greaterthan the fabric weight of the rest of the garment body.

As will be described in further detail below, the panels are sewntogether in a manner that creates an ergonomic shape that enhanceswearer comfort, particularly during endurance sports, and have seamsthat are configured to reduce stress on the material at the seamsthereby improving garment durability.

In some cases, the legs are dimensioned to stop above the wearer'sknees, and the garment body further includes thigh bands disposed at adistal end of the legs. These thigh bands, together with the taperedshape of the legs, prevent the legs from riding up. Alternatively, thelegs may be dimensioned to extend below the wearer's knees, e.g., in thecase of knickers or tights.

The garment body further may further include a waistband, e.g., having awidth of at least 1 inch and no more than 1.5 inches, which preferablyincludes a flat no-roll elastic.

In another aspect, the invention features a garment comprising a pelvicpanel configured to cover at least the pelvic region of a wearer, and apair of legs configured to cover at least a portion of the thighs of thewearer, the legs being joined to the pelvic panel such that a portion ofthe pelvic panel is seamed together front-to-back, defining a protectivepocket that extends below the junctions of the pelvic panel with thelegs. This configuration provides a generally M-shaped profile in thegroin area of the garment when the garment is viewed from the front,with recessed junctions between the pelvic panel and legs that areconfigured to prevent skin-to-skin and in some cases alsofabric-to-fabric contact at the junction area.

Implementations of this aspect may include any of the features describedherein, in any desired combination. For example, in some implementationsof this aspect, the legs include protective panels and thigh panels, asdiscussed above. The panels may be made of different materials to matchbody contours and requirements, e.g., of the various fabrics discussedherein.

In yet a further aspect, the invention features a garment comprising agarment body defining a pair of legs, the legs including inner thighpanels and outer thigh panels, wherein the outer thigh panels comprise afabric having two way stretch, and the inner thigh panels comprise afabric having four way stretch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front planar view of the assembled garment.

FIG. 2 is a view of a protective panel of the garment.

FIG. 3 is a view of a pelvic panel of the garment.

FIG. 4 is a view of a thigh panel of the garment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail view of area A of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, the garments described herein utilize panels ofmultiple types of synthetic materials. These panels are shaped and sewntogether in such a manner that the characteristics of the paneling andshape of the garment matches body types and body contours, enhancing fitand wearer comfort, and so that the durability of the garment ismaximized.

An example of a garment 5 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The garment 5 may be anundergarment, or may be worn on its own, e.g., as shorts for athleticactivities such as running.

Garment Shape

Referring to FIG. 1, garment 5 is made up of five panels: one protectivepanel 20 (FIG. 2) covering each inner thigh area, one thigh panel 25(FIG. 4) covering the remainder of each leg, and one central pelvicpanel 10 (FIG. 3) covering the stomach, pelvic area and seat (buttocks)of the wearer. The top edges of the thigh panels are sewn to the pelvicpanel, as will be discussed below, the top edge of which defines awaistband 15.

The panels are assembled in a manner that enhances the durability of thegarment, with seams being located and shaped to enhance wearer comfortand avoid breakdown of the seams and/or surrounding fabric due toexcessive stress on the seam areas during use. For example, the bottomedge of each protective panel 20 is curved (see FIG. 2), so that theseam between the bottom edge of the protective panel and the thigh panelis also curved, minimizing the stress on this seam that can result,e.g., from sharp corners. Additionally, the curvature of these seamsallows for the smooth flow of material on material, with little to noresistance, due to not having sharp stitching or corners to grab or getcaught on.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the pelvic seam area 30, where the pelvicpanel 10 is joined to itself front-to-back, defines a recessed fabricjunction that lightly interfaces with the skin of the hip joint.Referring to FIG. 5, on each side of the crotch area of the garment thejunction of the thigh panel 25 with the protective panel 20 is sewn tothe flap of material referred to as the pelvic seam area 30, creating aunique, generally “M”-shaped profile when the garment is viewed from thefront. (By “generally ‘M’-shaped,” we mean that the lower edge of thegarment body resembles an “M” in which the middle portion is curvedrather than angular.)

This “M” shaped profile creates a barrier between the genitals and thelegs, which eliminates all skin-to-skin contact in this area. With thisprofile, the lower portion of the pelvic panel (middle of the “M”)provides a protective “bridge” or pocket 42 that is contoured to theshape of the pelvic and under-carriage region of the wearer's body, andwhich supports the male and female genitalia and keeps the thighs frombeing able to make skin-on-skin contact with the genitalia, as well asskin-to-skin contact with each other. As will be discussed below, thefabric used in the pelvic panel is soft against the skin, in addition tothe material having the primary property of sweat management to helpkeep the skin dry.

The thigh panel 25 is joined to the pelvic panel 10 by an outerthigh-pelvic panel seam 40, which is a flatlock seam. Preferably thisseam type, flatlock, will be used throughout the garment to ensure a lowprofile construction, which aids in minimizing fabric-seam abrasion andresulting premature fabric breakdown. The anterior thigh-pelvic panelseams are angled at approximately 45 degrees from the vertical to allowjunction of the materials in the crease of the leg to pelvic region,while the posterior thigh-pelvic seams are cut at an approximate65-degree angle to the vertical. This orientation avoids placing theposterior seams across the seating region of the buttocks, whichincreases wearer comfort and reduces premature seam breakdown caused byincreased pressure while the wearer is in the seated position.Additionally, this particular seam placement allows the fabric of thepelvic panel to cover a larger area, which enhances sweat management ofthe pelvic region.

The protective panels 20 and thigh panels 25 are configured for wearercomfort and mobility and to provide support for the wearer's muscles viacompression. The protective panels should be sufficiently large so as toprovide good coverage and protection for the sensitive inner thigh area,while being small enough so that it does not interfere with natural legmotion. In preferred implementations the thigh panels are sufficientlylong so as to provide good muscle support via compression, while beingshort enough to avoid discomfort and chafing in the very sensitive areaof skin located behind the knee. The legs defined by the protectivepanels and thigh panels have a tapered shape, helping to prevent thelegs from riding up during use.

In some cases, the legs terminate in a thigh band 27 (FIG. 4), which ispreferably about ⅜″ to ⅝″ inches wide. Soft, non-roll elastic may beencased in the thigh band 27, e.g., measuring approximately ½ inch.Preferably the thigh band is sufficiently wide so as to minimizediscomfort by dispersing compression over a large surface area.Additionally, the configuration of the thigh band 27 in concert with thetapered shape of the thigh panel 25 and the inherent characteristics ofthe fabric prevent the outer thigh panel 25 from creeping up duringrepetitive motion, such as running The inner thigh-outer thigh panelseam 35 is flat for wearer comfort.

The length of the waistband 15 is approximately equal to the waist sizeof the wearer, and the width is preferably at least 1 inch, e.g., fromabout 0.75 to 1.5 inches. The advantage of this width is that it reducesor eliminates rolling of the fabric and provides sufficient surface areato allow for even dispersion of compression. These features enhancewearer comfort, particularly if the wearer has a large or sensitiveabdomen or if the user will be wearing the garment for a long period oftime, e.g., in an endurance event.

Panel Materials

The pelvic panel 10 is formed of a material that has very good moisturemanagement properties, which allow sweat to be quickly and efficientlytransported away from the skin. This allows for easier temperatureregulation and decreases discomfort associated with excess moistureretention and movement in the pelvic area. A suitable material for thispanel is High Performance Spandex, which is 88% Perfo nylon and 12%Spandex and which has four-way stretch. The fabric weight of thismaterial is 8.8 oz/sq. yard.

The waistband 15 is formed of the same material as the pelvic panel, andmay in some cases be integral with the pelvic panel. Non-roll elastic issewn into the waistband fold to hold the garment to the body. Theelasticity of the materials allow for a percentage of expansion. Thepercentage of expansion is derived from the fabric's specifications andis automatically accounted for by the types of equipment used to cut andsew synthetic types of materials, i.e. Gerber laser cutting machine.

The protective panels 20 utilize a material that is configured to reducethe friction that occurs when the inner thighs rub together duringactivity, e.g., while the wearer is running. The material of the innerthigh panels has a coefficient of friction that is relatively lower thanthat of the other panels and utilizes a far more durable material toreduce premature material breakdown, e.g., due to use in endurancesports. In preferred embodiments, the fabric is ultra-smooth,low-friction, abrasion resistant, and highly durable.

The protective panel 20 is formed of a material that is ultra-smooth,low friction and non-abrasive, to prevent chafing of the wearer's innerthighs. It is also preferred that this material be durable and resistantto snagging and pilling because of the fabric-to-fabric contact thatwill occur during activity. The material is also selected to providesweat management and compressive support to the wearer's muscles. Asuitable material is Rough Moleskin, which is a nylon spandex fabricwith a four-way stretch direction, weighing 8 oz/sq yard and beingcomprised of 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex. The placement of the RoughMoleskin on the inner thighs of the garment 5 is advantageous becausethis fabric inherently resists snagging and generally eliminates allchafing caused by inner thigh, skin-to-skin contact.

The thigh panels 25 (FIG. 4) are comprised of a material that isrelatively lighter weight than the material of the protective panels,but which is flexible and has considerably more inherent stretch toassist with contouring of the fabric to the thigh. The material alsopreferably has fewer directions of stretch, e.g., two way stretch ratherthan four-way. Additionally, it is preferred that the fabric be verysmooth to minimize snagging when in contact with other materials therebyreducing uncomfortable fabric binding and premature material breakdown.A suitable material is Jumbo Spandex (Super stretch) fabric, whichfeatures two-way stretch and which is comprised of 90% Nylon and 10%Spandex and weighs 10 oz/sq yard.

The 2-way stretch of the material used in the thigh panels 25 will onlyallow for stretch in the vertical direction (toward the knee or towardthe hip joint. Preferably, the fabric weave of the thigh panels isoriented so that the 2-way stretch is parallel to the femur.

In preferred implementations, the fabrics described above are formed offibers that are resistant to oils, stain, sweat and other fluids,allowing the fabrics to be readily cleaned with a light detergent.

Sizing

Preferably, the garments are sized, and sizing is identified to thepurchaser, by gender and at least three measurements: (a) waistmeasurement (e.g., in inches or centimeters), (b) thigh girth (e.g., ininches or as small, medium, large, XL, etc.), and (c) length (e.g., ininches or as short, regular and long). This system of sizing willprovide a near-custom fit, much better tailored to the individual than asimple Small/Medium/Large or numbered size system.

Other Embodiments

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example, other embodiments may include a lengthened panel of fabricattached to or integral with the upper portion of the pelvic panel thatwould cover the lower to upper abdomen. This additional panel wouldfurther enhance the undergarment by providing additional support andsweat management. This feature could be particularly beneficial forindividuals with larger amounts of abdominal adipose tissue. In somecases, this panel is configured to be easily rolled up or down by thewearer to cover more or less of the abdomen as desired.

Another embodiment could include the addition of two abrasion resistantpanels made of rough moleskin, or similar, placed on the seat for addedprotection, as well as to decrease material breakdown during specificactivities, such as rowing.

Other embodiments could utilize scaled sizes and/or shapes of the panelsand bands of the undergarment to allow for customization for a specificsport, activity or function. Additionally, some embodiments couldutilize different materials.

Moreover, while single-layer panels have been described above,multi-layer panels may be used in some instances as dictated by theparticular application. For example, in some cases a liner layer can beprovided in the genital area, and/or a windproof layer may be providedin the front pelvic region, e.g., for a men's windbrief or shorts ortights to be used in cold conditions.

While shorts are shown in the figures, as noted above the garment may bein the form of pants or tights, in which case the thigh bands describedabove would be replaced by ankle bands (for tights) or a simple hem (forpants.)

Moreover, any or all of the features described herein may beincorporated into cycling shorts or tights, in which case a chamois orother padding may be provided in the pelvic panel as is well known inthe cycling garment art.

While it is preferred that the features be used in combination, asdescribed above, any of the features described herein may be usedindependently, without the other features. For example, the inner thighpanels may be used in a garment body in which the other panels havecharacteristics different from those described above. For instance,protection of the inner thighs may be desired in a garment that haslesser requirements for sweat management, e.g., an undergarment ortights designed for use in cold weather activities.

The various panels may be of different colors or the same color, asdesired.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment comprising: a garment body, configuredto be worn on the lower body and having legs configured to cover atleast a portion of a wearer's thigh, the garment body comprising aplurality of panels, wherein the panels include a pair of protectivepanels, disposed in an inner thigh region of the garment body, theprotective panels comprising a fabric having a coefficient of frictionthan is lower than that of the rest of the garment body.
 2. The garmentof claim 1 wherein the panels further include a pelvic panel comprisinga fabric having a Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate that is greater thanthat of the rest of the garment body.
 3. The garment of claim 2 whereinthe panels further include a pair of outer thigh panels, joined to aportion of the pelvic panel, which, together with the protective panels,define at least a portion of the legs of the garment body.
 4. Thegarment of claim 3 wherein the outer thigh panels have a fabric weightthat is greater than the fabric weight of the rest of the garment body.5. The garment of claim 3 wherein a groin area of the garment body has agenerally M-shaped profile when viewed from the front.
 6. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the protective panels comprise Rough Moleskin fabric. 7.The garment of claim 2 wherein the pelvic panel comprises a HighPerformance Spandex fabric.
 8. The garment of claim 3 wherein the outerthigh panels comprise a Jumbo Spandex fabric.
 9. The garment of claim 3wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a fabric having two way stretch,and the inner thigh panels comprise a fabric having four way stretch.10. The garment of claim 1 wherein the legs are dimensioned to stopabove the wearer's knees, and the garment body further includes thighbands disposed at a distal end of the legs.
 11. The garment of claim 1wherein the legs are dimensioned to extend below the wearer's knees. 12.The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment body further comprises awaistband having a width of at least 0.75 inches.
 13. A garmentcomprising: a pelvic panel configured to cover at least the pelvicregion of a wearer, and a pair of legs configured to cover at least aportion of the thighs of the wearer, the legs being joined to the pelvicpanel such that a portion of the pelvic panel is seamed togetherfront-to-back, defining a protective pocket that extends below thejunctions of the pelvic panel with the legs.
 14. The garment of claim 13wherein a groin area of the garment has a generally M-shaped profilewhen the garment is viewed from the front.
 15. The garment of claim 13wherein the garment includes recessed junctions between the pelvic paneland legs that are configured to prevent skin-to-skin contact in thewearer's groin area.
 16. The garment of claim 15 wherein the legsinclude protective panels, disposed in an inner thigh region of thegarment body, and outer thigh panels.
 17. The garment of claim 16wherein the pelvic panel, protective panels and outer thigh panels meetat the recessed junctions.
 18. A garment comprising a garment bodydefining a pair of legs, the legs including inner thigh panels and outerthigh panels, wherein the outer thigh panels comprise a fabric havingtwo way stretch, and the inner thigh panels comprise a fabric havingfour way stretch.
 19. The garment of claim 16 wherein the inner thighpanels are formed of Rough Moleskin and the outer thigh panels areformed of Jumbo Spandex.